UAB Football: 4 Blazers set to shine in 2023

3. Keondre Swoopes, STAR

Positionless football is a term you hear regularly in regard to the way the game is trending. High-end athletes who can play a multitude of positions are a point of emphasis for NFL teams.

For UAB football, there is the STAR role, which calls for strong coverage skills as well as the ability to come downhill and attack the run game.

The projected starter for that spot in 2023 will be senior Keondre Swoopes. He earned an honorable mention in the All-Conference USA team last season and his stats highlight his versatility. He had 53 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, and four passes defended.

If you turn on UAB football in 2023, you’ll likely find Swoopes flying around the second level making plays.

2. Jermaine Brown Jr, Running Back

UAB’s leading rusher last year, DeWayne McBride is currently getting projections as a mid-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

However, UAB football fans shouldn’t despair as understudy Jermaine Brown did more than enough to show he can take over and become the centerpiece of this offense.

Despite playing second fiddle to McBride, Brown ran for 948 yards and 8 touchdowns. He was the primary receiving back with 19 receptions for 120 yards. His running style belies the fact he is a diminutive 5’8. He regularly breaks tackles and has excellent contact balance. Add to that his shifty feet and Brown could get plenty of attention from the mainstream media this year.